Temasaya Cottage of Ubud is impeccably presented homestay-style accommodation run by the very attentive Komang and her family. At an investment of AUD$60 per night, Temasaya offers WI FI and other features such as TV and DVD entertainment. Fresh bottled water, both in the rooms and as free-of-charge top-up supplies in the outdoor eating area, is provided. You can also have tea and coffee whenever you choose. This is a Balinese homestay teeming with traditional Island cheer and hospitality but with the dressings of the digital age.

Breakfast is included, which can be enjoyed either at the outdoor eatery that has a panoramic view of the home-stay and offers the opportunity to chat with other guests, or on your private balcony on request. The price-inclusive breakfast menu is varied: International, European, American or Balinese choices. My perfect Balinese breakfast of fresh fruit, a banana pancake and ginger-honey tea never failed to set me up for a morning walk, the best way to explore the ever-vibrant and artistic capital of Bali.

Rooms are spacious, private and cleaned daily. This is a home-stay that provides nurture and comfort.

Temasaya rooms are of Balinese-modern design with a luxurious 'twist' that is unusual for inner-urban home-stays. They are spacious, private and cleaned daily. Komang is definitely a woman in charge: rooms resound with her feminine touch and facilities have been selected with women in mind, e.g. cabinets where one can put on make-up and finery, full-length mirrors, ample hanging and fold-away storage space. The double bed is new, firm and comfortable. However, it is the bathroom that sets Temasaya apart from others in this price range: large grey pebbles have been laid as a shower base that massage the feet and wall-to-wall white tiling creates clean and crisp contemporary lines.

The bathrooms at Temasaya have hot water and large stones for a foot massage while you shower. 'Bathroom bliss' is just one of the many feminine touches.

What is simply divine about Temasaya is Komang and her family. They are warm, intimate hosts who have a great command of English and an astute awareness of Western needs. With only 4 rooms, tourist traffic is subdued which makes Temasaya a peaceful and nurturing hide-away. It is particularly ideal for couples, single women or small families who need time-out from Ubud's hustle and bustle.

The location of Temasaya quickly becomes a travel advantage. It is about a 20-minute walk into Central Ubud or a 5-minute motor-bike ride (AUD$2.00). Once on Jalan Sukma Kesuma, 100 metres left of Temasaya (the home-stay itself is down a lane), there are a myriad of super-cheap warungs if you are hungry for Balinese home-cooking, as well as trendy yet cheap vegetarian and vegan eateries. Vegan and vegetarian dining options have exploded since my last visit to Ubud, but this area of the city, which is buffered from tourist mania, offers great tasting vegetarian food at much lower prices than those of Central Ubud which clearly target Western diet-fads.

Facilities include WI FI, TV and breakfast enjoyed in an outside eatery.

Temasaya is a stone's throw from the central village square, which is the axis for village meetings, markets and local ceremonies. Komang will keep you abreast of any event that is noteworthy or invitational. On arrival, I was privy to see a Balinese Cremation Ceremony. The position of the town square means that there are often parades of Balinese families and musicians along Jalan Sukma Kesuma, so from the comfort of a local warung, you can witness Balinese daily life.

Temasaya is a stone's throw from one of Ubud's main community squares which serves as a village meeting place, market place and site for village celebrations. On my first day here, I was privy to a Balinese cremation service.

The walk into Ubud Central is not difficult and the route is lined with exquisite retail shops, street vendors, fruit sellers and marketeers, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants. It is probably best NOT to ask for verbal directions, as when English (or your Bahasa!) is limited, you can be easily sent on a hinterland tour. Komang does supply a map of Ubud for your convenience.

Temasaya Cottage: In A Nutshell

The look: an exquisitely designed home-stay with feminine touches and mod cons.